Rexford Winery: A Stellar Santa Cruz Wine Experience

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Discover handcrafted, small-lot wines at Rexford Winery in Santa Cruz, where a passion for astronomy meets exceptional winemaking in the heart of the Surf City Vintners.

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Rexford Winery

Rexford Winery, nestled in Santa Cruz's Westside, offers a unique urban wine tasting experience. Founded by Joe Miller, a UC Santa Cruz astronomy professor, and his son Sam, the winery handcrafts small-lot wines from select local vineyards, focusing on Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Merlot. Rexford stands out with its unfined, unfiltered wines reflecting the Santa Cruz Mountains' terroir. The tasting room, a renovated warehouse, provides a casual atmosphere where visitors often meet the winemakers themselves. Rexford is a stop on the Surf City Vintners trail, a collection of boutique wineries contributing to the area's hip, urban renewal vibe. Open Friday through Sunday, it's a must-visit for those seeking quality, locally-sourced wines in an approachable setting. Rexford offers a personal touch, with the Millers often pouring and sharing their passion for winemaking.

A brief summary to Rexford Winery

429 Ingalls St, Santa Cruz, California, 95060, US
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Friday 1 pm-5 pm
Saturday 1 pm-5 pm
Sunday 1 pm-5 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Rexford Winery.

Visit on a weekend afternoon to increase your chances of meeting Joe or Sam Miller and learning about their winemaking process firsthand.
Explore other wineries in the Surf City Vintners area, as many are within walking distance, creating a walkable wine-tasting experience.
Check the Rexford Winery website for special events or wine walks they may be participating in during your visit.

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Getting There

Walking

From the Swift Street Courtyard, a central point on the Westside known for its collection of wineries and breweries, Rexford Winery is a short walk across Ingalls Street. Look for the unassuming cinderblock building at 429 Ingalls St. It's easily accessible from other tasting rooms in the area.
Taxi/Ride-Share

From downtown Santa Cruz, a taxi or ride-share to Rexford Winery takes approximately 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic. The fare typically ranges from $15 to $25. Direct the driver to 429 Ingalls Street, near the intersection of Ingalls and Swift. Note that parking in the immediate vicinity can be limited, especially on weekends.
Public Transport

While there isn't a bus stop directly in front of Rexford Winery, several Santa Cruz METRO bus routes serve the general Westside area. From the Riverfront Transit Center in downtown Santa Cruz, take a bus that stops near the intersection of Mission Street and Swift Street. From there, it's a 5-10 minute walk to the winery. A single ride fare on Santa Cruz METRO is $2.50.

Discover more about Rexford Winery

Rexford Winery, a hidden gem in Santa Cruz's vibrant Westside, offers a unique and intimate wine-tasting experience. Founded in 2008 by Joe Miller, a Professor Emeritus of Astronomy and Astrophysics at UC Santa Cruz, and his son Sam, Rexford Winery stands apart from the larger, more commercial wineries with its small-batch, handcrafted approach. The winery's location at 429 Ingalls Street places it within the heart of the Surf City Vintners, a collective of boutique wineries contributing to the area's urban renewal and hip atmosphere. Joe Miller's background is as unique as the wines he produces. After teaching courses on enology and wine appreciation at UCSC for over 30 years, alongside his astronomy career, Miller transitioned his passion for winemaking into a commercial venture. His son, Sam, brings a creative flair to the operation, with a background in jazz guitar and history. Together, they create wines that reflect both scientific precision and artistic expression. Rexford Winery focuses on single-vineyard Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Merlot, and other premium varieties sourced from select local vineyards. The Millers are committed to showcasing the unique terroir of the Santa Cruz Mountains, crafting wines that accurately reflect the varietal characteristics of the grapes and the microclimates and soils of their origin. Their wines are known for being unfined and unfiltered, a process that preserves the natural flavors and complexities of the fruit. The tasting room itself is an unassuming space, located in a renovated warehouse. This casual and approachable setting encourages visitors to relax and engage with the winemakers. Unlike the often-formal tasting experiences found in Napa Valley, Rexford offers a more personal touch, where guests can often meet Joe and Sam Miller themselves, learn about their winemaking philosophy, and taste their exceptional wines. Rexford's wine selection includes a range of varietals, with a particular emphasis on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. They source grapes from renowned vineyards in the Santa Cruz Mountains and Monterey County, including Brosseau Vineyard in Chalone and Escolle Vineyard. These vineyards are known for their unique soil compositions and microclimates, which contribute to the distinctive character of Rexford's wines. Some of their notable wines include the Escolle Pinot Noir, known for its exceptional balance, and the Gillian Enz Vineyard Zinfandel, sourced from a vineyard planted by the daughter of the Enz family, whose original vineyard was established in 1910. Visiting Rexford Winery is more than just a wine tasting; it's an opportunity to connect with the winemakers, learn about the winemaking process, and experience the unique terroir of the Santa Cruz Mountains. The winery's location within the Surf City Vintners also makes it an ideal stop on a wine-tasting tour of the area. Other nearby wineries include Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard, Equinox Sparkling Wines, and Silver Mountain Vineyards, all within walking distance. Rexford Winery is open for tasting and sales Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 1 PM to 5 PM, and by appointment. Walk-ins are welcome, providing an accessible and spontaneous option for visitors. The winery also offers curbside pickup and complimentary shipping on orders of three or more bottles, making it easy to enjoy their wines from afar. In addition to its commitment to quality winemaking, Rexford Winery is also deeply rooted in the local community. They participate in local wine walks and events, showcasing their wines alongside other Santa Cruz Mountains producers. They are also members of the Santa Lucia Highlands Wine Artisans, demonstrating their dedication to the broader wine community. For those seeking a genuine and approachable wine-tasting experience in Santa Cruz, Rexford Winery is a must-visit. With its handcrafted wines, personal touch, and commitment to showcasing the unique terroir of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Rexford offers a stellar wine experience that is both educational and enjoyable.